Archive · 4 Sep 2026
George Clooney Receives Venice Golden Lion, Criticizes Fear Politics
George Clooney received a special award for his long career in movies.
He accepted it at the Venice Film Festival.
In his speech, he said people around the world share similar feelings, dreams and worries.
He argued that stories can help people care about strangers.
He also said some powerful people try to make others afraid of one another.
Clooney warned that journalists and artists can be targeted when they ask difficult questions.
He joked that the world might currently be run by people who are not qualified.
He said movies cannot end wars or fix inflation.
But he believes movies can help people understand each other.
George Clooney received an honorary Golden Lion for lifetime achievement at the Venice Film Festival’s opening ceremony.
Clooney said stories, films and art can encourage empathy and challenge efforts to make people fear one another.
He argued that authoritarian figures often target journalists and artists who ask questions or reject simple answers.
Clooney described the current moment as possibly a “kakistocracy,” meaning a country run by the least qualified people.
The 65-year-old actor said his 45-year career resulted from collaboration, support and a series of “happy accidents.”
- Who
- Actor and filmmaker George Clooney, with Laura Dern presenting the award.
- What
- Clooney received an honorary Golden Lion for lifetime achievement and gave a speech about empathy, stories and politics.
- When
- At the opening ceremony on September 2, 2026; the article identifies Clooney as 65.
- Where
- The Venice Film Festival in Venice.
- Why
- The award recognized Clooney’s lifetime contribution to film, while his speech emphasized the social importance of stories and human empathy.
- Award
- Honorary Golden Lion for lifetime achievement
- Event
- Opening ceremony of the Venice Film Festival
- Presenter
- Laura Dern
- Career length
- Clooney said he has been an actor for 45 years
- First Venice appearance
- He first attended the festival in 1998 for Steven Soderbergh’s Out of Sight
- Political term
- Clooney used “kakistocracy,” defined as a country run by the least qualified people
- Filmography at festival
- His work there has included Michael Clayton, Burn After Reading, Gravity and Good Night, and Good Luck